The Committee,

1. Recalling the initial inscription of ‘Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering’ on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding by the fourth session of the Committee in 2009 (Decision 4.COM 14.04),
2. Further recalling the latest periodic report submitted by China on the status of this element as examined by the seventeenth session of the Committee in 2022 (Decision 17.COM 6.a.12),
3. Takes note of the request submitted by China to transfer Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering (No. 02153) from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

The traditional Li textile techniques of spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering are employed by women of the Li ethnic group of Hainan Province, China, to make clothing and other daily necessities out of cotton, hemp and other fibres. In the absence of a written language, the patterns used on the textiles record the history and legends of Li culture as well as aspects of worship, taboos, beliefs, traditions and folkways. They are therefore an indispensable part of the cultural heritage of the Li ethnic group, allowing communities to strengthen their shared historical memory and cultural identity. The techniques involved, including double-face embroidery and single-face jacquard weaving, were traditionally passed down from mothers to daughters from early childhood through verbal instruction and personal demonstration. In the inscription in 2009 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, it was noted that there were only 1,000 practitioners, mostly older people, and there were concerns about a reluctance among younger generations to acquire the traditional knowledge and skills, preferring modern fashion instead. Over time, the inter-generational transmission has been strengthened with the increased involvement of men. Li textile techniques provide a sustainable livelihood for families while improving their status and social recognition. They also promote mutual respect and dialogue among communities, which continue to grow, harvest and use the natural raw materials needed for the dyes and threads. The related techniques, knowledge and history have been integrated into formal education and are promoted through research and awareness-raising activities.

4. Considers that, from the information included in the request and the periodic report on the status of the element on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, the request satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.1:   The ‘Traditional Li textile techniques of spinning, dyeing, weaving, and embroidering’ represent a vital cultural heritage of the Li ethnic group in Hainan Province, China. These techniques, intertwined with the community's identity and history, have been passed down through generations, traditionally from mothers to daughters. The textiles they produce, adorned with patterns that convey legends, beliefs, and cultural traditions, symbolising the cultural identity of the communities. Initially inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding due to the declining number of practitioners, this element has since witnessed a remarkable revival. With increased efforts in safeguarding, the number of bearers has grown significantly from 1,000 in the original nomination in 2009, to nearly 20,000 bearers and over 1,000 mastering the full set of skills as indicated in the latest periodic report. The continued transmission of these skills has enhanced the viability of the element since it was first inscribed. The successful revitalization and sustainable management of this cultural practice, supported by the establishment of cooperatives and the integration of these techniques into formal education has revitalised and enhanced the element over time.

R.2:   The nomination file explains how the ‘Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving, and embroidering’ contributes to sustainable development. The element is closely linked to the sustainable livelihoods of Li women, enhancing their income, improving their family status, and increasing social recognition, thereby promoting gender equality and inclusive development. The techniques also exhibit a deep connection to the natural environment, as the Li community continues to use natural raw materials for dyes and threads, linking their cultural practices to environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the integration of these techniques – along with their associated knowledge, history and culture – into formal education provides valuable resources for the comprehensive education of youth and children, while also enhancing cultural identity.

R.3:   In recent years, relevant policies and plans have been issued, further supporting the safeguarding of the element, which was once in need of urgent safeguarding. The expanded transmission of Traditional Li textile techniques is a testament to these efforts, with over 150 special training workshops on spindle spinning, pedal loom spinning, plant dyeing, and string dyeing serving as cornerstones for this revival. The number of practitioners has grown significantly, easing the previous pressure on inter-generational transmission and ensuring that these skills are passed down to future generations. Moreover, the establishment of Li textile cooperatives and enterprises has fostered social and economic growth, particularly by empowering women within the community. The element’s inclusion in formal education systems, combined with ongoing support from NGOs and local organizations, has created a framework for the continued practice of these techniques. These efforts have demonstrated the effectiveness of the safeguarding measures in enhancing the viability of the element since it was first inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding and support the request to transfer the element to the Representative List. The efforts are also a recognition of the community’s successful safeguarding plans and the continued transmission of the element.

R.4:   The transfer of the ‘Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving, and embroidering’ to the Representative List is supported by the participation of the community concerned and with their free, prior and informed consent. Additional documents about the community organizations or representatives concerned are submitted. Letters of consent from communities were submitted as part of the nomination file for the transfer of the element. These letters expressed the communities’ consent for the transfer of the element from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

R.5:   The element is maintained in the national inventory with the same details, including its reference number and name as stated in the original nomination file. The agency responsible for updating the element has continued to monitor its status, ensuring that it remains a vital part of China’s cultural heritage framework.

5. Decides to transfer Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
6. Commends the State Party for the success of the safeguarding measures, particularly in increasing the number of bearers and practitioners, and for the element’s contribution to gender equality and inclusive social development;
7. Encourages the State Party to enhance efforts to safeguard the ethnic knowledge embedded in the traditional patterns and motifs of Li textiles, thereby preserving cultural diversity amidst increasing visibility through cooperatives and enterprises.